Imperial Cultivation Chapter 1316 - 1312: Gathering

Ning Dongge observed the Golden Sword as it returned to its scabbard, remarking, "Junior Brother, your sword possesses quite the peculiarity."

Chu Zhiyuan responded with a smile, "It is forged from Undying Golden Essence, and additionally fortified using the Sacrificial Refining Method."

"This approach is sound," Ning Dongge affirmed, "but the likelihood of success is rather slim, and ultimately, it might all prove to be in vain."

"A minor misstep, and everything could be forfeited," Zhang Ji Yuan concurred.

Chu Zhiyuan let out a laugh and inquired, "Have the both of you attempted this method before?"

He grasped the underlying significance of their statements.

Both nodded in agreement.

Ning Dongge shared, "I once nurtured a sword as well, but regrettably, it was ruined."

"As did I," Zhang Ji Yuan added.

Chu Zhiyuan felt a surge of curiosity.

"After all, nurturing a sword is no simple feat," Ning Dongge elaborated. "Especially in the later stages, when it often fails to keep pace with one's cultivation and becomes a hindrance."

Zhang Ji Yuan stated, "Unless your sword consistently proves superior to yourself, which is exceedingly difficult to achieve."

Chu Zhiyuan slowly nodded his head.

He now understood their sentiment; they must have employed a similar power to refine their Treasure Swords.

To utilize one's own power in refining a Treasure Sword, aspiring for it to transcend its origins, is a feat bordering on impossibility.

However, his Golden Sword had been refined through the Heavenly Sword Technique, integrating and forging both Faith Power and the Power of Merit, establishing a fundamentally distinct process.

Consequently, the Golden Sword was destined to grow progressively stronger, perpetually surpassing his own capabilities.

Yet, whether he would be able to surmount its might upon reaching the Spirit Venerable stage remained an uncertainty.

What was presently lacking were Faith Power and the Power of Merit. Although these were already quite abundant, he perceived them as still insufficient.

Chu Zhiyuan offered his farewells and departed.

...

A resplendent moon graced the night sky, its luminescence cool as flowing water, cascading over Xiao Ruoling's humble courtyard.

Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue were engaged in a discussion, pondering the abrupt departure of Chu Zhiyuan.

Shen Hanyue couldn't suppress her giggles, playfully teasing Chu Zhiyuan for feigning composure when he was, in reality, quite flustered.

At that precise moment, Chu Zhiyuan materialized, a smile gracing his lips. "Hanyue, what is it that you find so amusing?"

Shen Hanyue retorted, "Then why did you abruptly leave earlier?"

Chu Zhiyuan chuckled, "I had pressing matters to attend to; I did not flee anywhere."

"Hmph, do not presume we are unaware!" Shen Hanyue declared defiantly.

Xiao Ruoling's luminous eyes sparkled like shimmering waves, her cheerful smile radiating warmth.

Chu Zhiyuan then posed a question, "Madam, do you currently have a Spirit Venerable within your palace?"

Xiao Ruoling gently shook her head. "I am uncertain. Even if there are, we are hardly qualified to have an audience with them."

"Naturally, there are Spirit Venerables," Shen Hanyue interjected, "and not just one, at that."

Xiao Ruoling turned her gaze towards her.

Shen Hanyue elaborated, "I overheard Senior Sister Xu mention that we have two Spirit Venerables standing guard over the palace."

"Two Spirit Venerables?" Xiao Ruoling expressed surprise. "That many?"

She had initially surmised there might be at most one within the palace, or perhaps none at all.

The Profound Yin Palace itself functioned as a Divine Artifact, rendering intrusions exceptionally difficult, thus negating the apparent necessity for formidable guards.

Furthermore, the Palace Master remained present, possessing the capability to command the Profound Yin Palace against any Spirit Venerable.

Shen Hanyue continued, "Our Master instructs us not to probe too deeply, yet all the Senior Sisters are privy to the knowledge."

"Since Master chooses not to elaborate, there must be a reason. Let us refrain from inquiring too recklessly," Xiao Ruoling advised.

Shen Hanyue let out a sweet giggle. "Is Senior Sister not curious about the Spirit Venerables?"

Xiao Ruoling responded, "I am merely aware that one should not engage in idle gossip, lest it disturb one's state of mind."

At present, their focus ought to be on their cultivation, not on such trivialities.

"Yes, yes," Shen Hanyue agreed. "Senior Sister, we are also slated to enter the Outer Realm Battlefield in the near future."

Xiao Ruoling nodded in confirmation.

"I do wonder what it is truly like there," Shen Hanyue's eyes shone with fervent anticipation.

Chu Zhiyuan's brow furrowed. "You are venturing into the Outer Realm Battlefield so soon?"

Xiao Ruoling replied softly, "My husband, we were originally scheduled to undertake the Cave Heaven Trial upon reaching the Venerable stage, and subsequently proceed to the Outer Realm Battlefield. We are already behind schedule."

Shen Hanyue giggled, "Master finds it hard to part with us, which is why our trial time has been continuously postponed."

Chu Zhiyuan cast a glance at the two women.

Xiao Ruoling had already attained Venerable Fourth Transition, while Shen Hanyue was at Third Transition.

The Profound Yin Palace's mental cultivation techniques were profound, and particularly after mastering the Taoye Marrow Cleansing Technique, their progress had been exceptionally rapid.

In a remarkably short span, they had reached Venerable Fourth and Third Transitions, a testament to their incredible speed.

They truly stood out within the Profound Yin Palace, far surpassing their peers who had commenced their cultivation journeys at the same time.

Thus, they could postpone their entry into the Outer Realm Battlefield, allowing time for other disciples of the same batch to arrive.

Xiao Ruoling reassured him, "My husband, please don't worry, everything is fine."

Chu Zhiyuan offered a nod of understanding.

Shen Hanyue remarked, "The Outer Realm Battlefield is rumored to hold great opportunities, but unfortunately, we still have to undergo the Cave Heaven Trial. What a tedious affair!"

She was impatient to head directly to the Outer Realm Battlefield.

Initially, she had perceived the Outer Realm Battlefield as perilous, but with her Cultivation advancing, her fear had vanished, replaced by an eagerness to face danger and showcase her prowess.

Chu Zhiyuan inquired, "When is your trial scheduled?"

"From what I've gathered, it's in ten days," Shen Hanyue's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Ten more days! Even after the trial, there will still be some time before we can enter the Outer Realm Battlefield, sigh... it's all taking so long!"

She expressed her dissatisfaction with the palace's sluggish pace; nothing was handled with urgency, always dragging on indefinitely.

Xiao Ruoling smiled gently, "Junior Sister, you are a bit too eager. With this extra time, you can potentially advance another level."

Shen Hanyue countered, "According to the Senior Sisters, Cultivation progresses much faster within the Outer Realm Battlefield. A month of strenuous training here cannot compare to a single day there."

"That might be an exaggeration," Xiao Ruoling chuckled. "The Senior Sisters might be overstating it."

"It was Senior Sister Zhou who said it; she wouldn't possibly lie, would she?" Shen Hanyue asked.

"...Senior Sister Zhou indeed does not lie," Xiao Ruoling confirmed with a slight nod.

Chu Zhiyuan remained largely silent.

He was well aware of the circumstances within the Outer Realm Battlefield; it undeniably offered significant opportunities and was more conducive to Cultivation.

However, he suspected Shen Hanyue's high expectations might lead to disappointment.

Of course, he decided not to dampen her spirits at that moment, and with a laugh, he advised, "The disciples of the Profound Yin Palace possess long lifespans. There's no need for haste; proceed at a comfortable pace, and don't rush your Cultivation."

Shen Hanyue replied, "If we are not diligent, it will be exceedingly difficult to catch up with you."

Chu Zhiyuan let out a soft chuckle.

Suddenly, his expression shifted subtly.

Both Xiao Ruoling and Shen Hanyue noticed this change immediately, regarding him with curious gazes.

Chu Zhiyuan forced a smile. "Another Spirit Venerable has arrived."

This formidable power felt similar to the previous one, yet possessed distinct nuances, indicating it belonged to a different individual.

So, there was another Spirit Venerable?

What precisely was unfolding within the Profound Yin Palace to attract so many Spirit Venerables?

If Shen Hanyue's account was accurate, there should now be a total of four Spirit Venerables.

"Spirit Venerable?" the two women exclaimed in surprise.

Chu Zhiyuan shook his head. "The last one, I suspected, was deliberately trying to intimidate me. Now another has appeared, and it seems they are returning to the palace, their aura momentarily unrestrained. Four Spirit Venerables... I wonder if there's a major event occurring... Madam, I shall depart for now and return tomorrow."

He surmised that the return of a Spirit Venerable to the Profound Yin Palace had stirred emotions, causing them to momentarily release their aura.

However, that surge of power quickly subsided, as if it had been an illusion.

"Mmm," Xiao Ruoling acknowledged with a gentle nod.

Chu Zhiyuan vanished.

He chose not to return to the Heaven-Reaching Sect to seek information.

As a disciple of the Heaven-Reaching Sect and with Xiao Ruoling being a disciple of the Profound Yin Palace, he understood the need for caution in his actions to avoid causing her any trouble.

If this information was confidential, mentioning it at the Heaven-Reaching Sect would constitute a leak, potentially branding Xiao Ruoling as a criminal within the Profound Yin Palace.

He trusted Shen Hanyue's immense curiosity; she would undoubtedly uncover the truth, and he would learn of it by the following day.

The next evening, when Chu Zhiyuan reappeared in Xiao Ruoling's modest courtyard, Shen Hanyue was also present.

Upon seeing his arrival, Shen Hanyue, adorned in a delicate pink blouse that accentuated her charming demeanor, waved her fair hand.

Chu Zhiyuan approached them.

Xiao Ruoling greeted her, "Junior Sister."

"The princely heir is not truly an outsider, after all," Shen Hanyue remarked. "He won't reveal any secrets, will he?"

"What is it?" Chu Zhiyuan inquired. "If it is of significant importance, please disregard it; there is no need to reveal any secrets."